March 29, 2010

Headline Stories: Religious Tourism March 29, 2010

Israel to smash tourism record, asserts minister
Ha'aretz
Based on data from the past three months, Israel will pull in a record number of 3.5 million tourists in 2010, according to Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov.

Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem mark Palm Sunday with prayers and ...Hundreds of Christians from around the world marched from the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem to mark Palm Sunday, retracing the steps of Jesus 2000 years ago.

Christian pilgrims mark Palm Sunday in JerusalemThe Associated PressThe pilgrims waved national and church flags and followed a white donkey, which according to Christian tradition was the way Jesus entered the holy city. ...

Pilgrims in England to walk 120 miles, bear life-sized crossCatholic News AgencyDuring the upcoming Holy Week, pilgrims from multiple areas in England will walk 120 miles around the country carrying a life-sized wooden cross. ...

Millions join India's Hindu pilgrimage to the GangesCNN InternationalBy Alex Zolbert, CNN Haridwar, India (CNN) -- The Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage that is often referred to as the largest religious gathering on the ...

On 25th World Youth Day, Pope Benedict renews call for youth evangelizationCatholic News AgencyThe Holy Father welcomed the 25th World Youth Day in his remarks before the Angelus in a St. Peter's Square full of flags and banners from all over the ...

Teens celebrate Palm Sunday, World Youth Day and their faith
PennLive.com
About 800 youth from throughout the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg celebrated Palm Sunday and World Youth Day by marching from the state Capitol steps to ...

Discovering Biblical Armenia (Going on Faith)

Going on Faith publication
Discovering Biblical Armenia
by Kevin J. Wright
Website link: http://www.goingonfaith.com/Article.aspx?id=123

Are you looking for that next destination to wow your members or clients? Are you looking for one that will generate unprecedented interest and enthusiasm among your group planners? And, are you looking for a destination that will make you a hero for discovering and recommending one of the most fascinating hidden gems of the faith-based travel industry? If so, then consider planning a tour to the biblical country of Armenia.

Read full story at Going on Faith http://www.goingonfaith.com/Article.aspx?id=123

March 26, 2010

Top Religious Tourism News (Week of March 26, 2010)

Iraqi youth use technology to join celebrations in St. Peter's Square
Catholic News Agency
Fr. Rayan P. Atto's parish in Mar Qardagh ad Erbil, Iraq will be "present" for the Pope's celebration for World Youth Day 2010 (WYD) from the Holy See on ...

Pilgrims to Shroud of Turin will see a 'mirror of the Gospel ...Speaking about how the exposition will be the first in the new millenium and the first since its restoration in 2002, Cardinal Poletto said it must be remembered that the event should not be seen as "religious tourism," but instead, ...CNA Daily News - http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/
The famous Shroud, which is believed to be the burial shroud of Jesus, will be on display in the Cathedral of Turin from April 10 - May 20 of this year. The Holy Father is one of over 1.3 million people, including 8,000 Americans, who will be in Turin to see the Shroud in the nearly two months of exposition. On May 2, among other events with the youth and local clergy, he will visit the Cathedral of Turin, where he will give what Cardinal Poletto called "a much awaited reflection" on the passion of Christ.

Turkish tourism minister permitted services in Surb Khach churchInformation-Analytic Agency NEWS.amTurkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay signed the application ... the decision will contribute to the development of religious tourism in Van. ...

Turkey permits religious rite at Armenian church
http://www.worldbulletin.net/
Governor of Van Munir Karaloglu said that the decision to permit a rite at Akdamar Church will boost faith tourism in the region and provide important ...

The Passion Play, Bavarian-style, is magnet for touristsFree Malaysia TodayOberammergau is also famous for its wooden religious carvings and for the ... But every 10 years, Oberammergau becomes a magnet for tourists because of its ...

The Irish Times - Friday, March 19, 2010Irish TimesThe village of Oberammergau in Bavaria has put on a play every decade since 1634. They made a vow then, when the Black Death was sweeping the land, ...

Abboud sees Lebanon tourism increasing by up to 20 percentDaily Star - LebanonAs for the third category, he said that it includes the work on enhancing medical, cultural, and religious tourism which he considers to be very productive. ...

March 18, 2010

WRTA OPENS REGISTRATIONS TO WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO 2010

3rd Annual World Religious Travel Expo Provides New and Expanded Market Opportunities

WRTA opens exhibitor reservations to the industry’s largest religious tourism and hospitality tradeshow

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 18, 2010) – The World Religious Travel Association has opened exhibitor reservations for the 3rd Annual World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference. WRTA also unveiled the official theme of Expo 2010: Discover the World of Faith Tourism. The tradeshow will be held for the first time internationally in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, from November 13-16, 2010.

“The World Religious Travel Expo is the largest annual gathering of its kind in the industry, so I’m thrilled to open up this opportunity to travel companies, destinations, and suppliers eager to take part in this remarkable event,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “As we prepare to highlight the year in faith tourism, we’re expecting record attendance again at this fall’s tradeshow, especially with our second co-location with the annual NTA Convention. The Expo remains ‘the place to be’ for any organization or travel professional that wishes to buy, sell, and network in the religious marketplace.”

Faith-based travel and hospitality has evolved into a major market and pillar of the global travel industry. More than 300 million people each year embark on trips or events with their faith communities including pilgrimages, cruises, leisure vacations, conferences/events, missionary travel, volunteer vacations, adventure travel, safaris, and more. The World Religious Travel Expo attracts tour operators, tourist offices, convention and visitor bureaus, motorcoach companies, hotels, attractions, suppliers, media, travel agents, and other tourism companies/professionals from throughout North America and around the world.

“We are excited about the upcoming WRTA Expo in Montreal and very much look forward to it,” said Mirko Capodanno, Manager Central USA and Canada. “Switzerland Tourism and our partners will be participating for the third consecutive time and the Expo marks an important and key event for us. Not only will it be a platform to promote faith-based travel in Zurich, Lucerne and the Ticino, but we’ll also be able to highlight train travel in Switzerland and our new partnership with Sunstar Hotels. Plus, it’s always a great opportunity to meet with the religious travel industry which is vital for us and also a lot of fun – an opportunity not to be missed!”

For Expo 2010, WRTA is excited to welcome new sponsors such as the Italian Government Tourist Board, Palestinian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities, Innsbruck Tourist Board, and Tourisme Montréal. As well as our returning sponsors Switzerland Tourism, Theatre Direct & Broadway.com/groups, and VisitRochester.

The World Religious Travel Association will host this fall’s Expo again in conjunction with the NTA Convention. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members unprecedented opportunities for education, business expansion, networking, and new market opportunities. Last year’s WRTA Expo 2009 featured the theme “Make 2010 Year Best Year Ever” and the event’s Gold and Silver Sponsors included Reno-Tahoe, Theatre Direct & Broadway.com/groups, Globus family of brands, Switzerland Tourism, Jordan Tourism Board N.A., German National Tourist Office, Leipzig Tourism and Marketing Company, Routes to Luther, VisitBritain, VisitScotland, Canterbury Cathedral, VisitRochester, PhotoVision, Epiphany Media, LifeWay, and TBN Holy Land Experience.

For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/ or http://www.wrtaexpo.com/.

March 17, 2010

Religious tourism among top travel choices in 2009

Article link: http://www.spot.lk/article12805-facing-realities-global-economic-setback.html

The same report describes faith tourism-Sabbaticals, Pilgrimage, Airline staff travellers and other religious tourism subcategories are among the top travel choices in 2009 and this would be the case for 2010 too. Also popular are personal spiritual vacations where the travellers meditate and “self-help.

March 11, 2010

Report from Jordan Travel Mart

Travel Agent Central
Read full story at http://www.travelagentcentral.com/jordan/report-jordan-travel-mart

For a few balmy, sun-filled days in late February, the third annual Jordan Travel Mart (JTM) convened on the shores of the Dead Sea. Bringing together government officials, Jordanian suppliers, and travel professionals and journalists from North and South America, the event showcased Jordan’s touristic riches. Moreover, the trade show was an optimistic affirmation of the country’s promotional strategy. While the global economic crisis humbled the travel industry in 2009, Jordan showed remarkable resilience, with a 1.6 percent increase in overnight visitors. “We can’t help but be cautiously optimistic about 2010,” declared Nayef Al-Fayez, managing director of the Jordan Tourism Board, at the opening breakfast.

Since we first attended the JTM in 2008, we’ve witnessed the successful strategy of the Jordan Tourism Board North America (JTBNA) in marketing the country as a stand-alone destination in niche markets: religious/faith, history/culture, eco/nature, leisure/wellness, adventure, and voluntourism. Emphasizing Jordan’s year-round moderate climate and the diversity of its product, the JTBNA strives to increase the length of stay of American visitors. A major part of the economy (13 percent of GDP), tourism is the second foreign-currency earner after migrant work remittances, and the U.S. travel market is second only to the Arab region.

March 9, 2010

WRTA PROCLAIMS 2010 THE YEAR OF TRAVEL MINISTRY

WRTA PROCLAIMS 2010 THE YEAR OF TRAVEL MINISTRY

The World Religious Travel Association to host Travel Ministry Conferences in Nashville, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Diego

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 4, 2010) – The World Religious Travel Association has designated 2010 The Year of Travel Ministry. Serving as a year-long campaign promoting the benefits of travel direct to faith-based communities and individuals, the purpose and goal of the new theme is three-fold: (1) Encourage people to integrate travel with their faith. (2) Assist faith communities in developing travel programs. (3) Promote and increase awareness of the many faith-based vacation opportunities available.

To kickoff the celebrations, WRTA has announced the hosting of five Travel Ministry Conferences across the United States throughout the summer in Nashville, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Diego. Each half-day event is designed for religious leaders as well as group travel planners and individual travelers to learn and discover how to build (or enrich) a travel program at their respective faith community. This year’s theme and focus follows on the heels of WRTA’s 2009 declaration as The Year of Faith Tourism.

“Of the many wonderful initiatives we’ve put into place here at WRTA, we are especially excited about our Travel Ministry Conferences,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “For several years both the travel trade and faith-based communities have been asking us to host such events. With our new announcement, we’ll be making a lot of people joyful in 2010 and we expect these new conferences to be both very successful, as well as the start of a new era for WRTA’s regional activities.”

The Travel Ministry Conferences also provide an excellent venue for travel providers and tourism organizations to meet and interact with attendees, religious leaders, and travelers. Members of the travel trade can attend, exhibit at, or sponsor any or all of the Travel Ministry Conferences.

For more information about the Travel Ministry Conferences visit https://nymail.imgworld.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=bfe31953613b4b8b82c68ac1db947630&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.wrtareligioustravel.com%2f. For faith-based communities, organizations and individuals interested in attending and participating in the Travel Ministry Conferences, contact WRTA staff.

Current Religious Tourism Headline News

Cyprus and Palestinian Authority sign Memorandum of Cooperation in ...Financial MirrorA Memorandum of Cooperation in the sector of tourism between Cyprus and the ... are unique tourist destinations, especially concerning religious tourism. ...

Tourists From Several Catholic Countries Are Flocking To IsraelPhiladelphia BulletinThe Israel Tourism Ministry invested over 3 million dollars shekel in ... in Brazil and Portugal in order to strengthen Christian tourism to Israel. ...

Israel, Ukraine Ink Free Trade, Aviation AgreementsArutz ShevaIn addition, Christian tourism from Ukraine to the Holy Land would probably also rise. At present, a visa for an Israeli to visit the Ukraine costs a hefty ...

Lebanon news - NOW Lebanon -Hariri's aide briefs Sfeir on PM's ...Sayegh also said that Hariri called for enhancing religious Christian tourism in Lebanon as a means to promote dialogue between the Lebanese. “The PM [was informed of] the Pope's appreciation for Sfeir's national role,” he added. ...NOW Lebanon - http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsCatArticles.aspx?ID=38533

Faith-Based Vacations Mean Opportunity for AgentsTravel AgentGlobus' updated Religious Travel Study estimates that, so far, 4.5 million people have traveled internationally on a religious or faith-based vacation. ...

Lifetree Adventures Announces Ecuador Mission TripI-Newswire.com (press release)Lifetree Adventures offers Christian travel options to Alaska, New Orleans, Navajo Nation, Dominican Republic, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand, Peru, Israel, ...

Pilgrimage overview 2010... big events that will attract pilgrims from around the world,” said Kevin Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association, a Lexington, Ky. ...

Pilgrimage opportunities abound in 2010

By Tim PuetCatholic Times
March 7, 2010

Read full story at http://www.colsdioc.org/Offices/TheCatholicTimes/pilgrimageoverview2010.aspx

The year 2010 should be one of the best ever for Catholic travelers, first-timers and veterans alike, who are looking for opportunities to take part in activities which are related to the Faith and don’t occur very often.

“This is a year for many big events that will attract pilgrims from around the world,” said Kevin Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association, a Lexington, Ky.-based organization (http://www.wrtareligioustravel.com/) which assists the $18 billion faith tourism industry by providing networking, educational, job market, and vacation opportunities for the travel trade and consumers.

“The Oberammergau Passion Play will be returning for its once-a-decade performances, the Shroud of Turin will be unveiled in Italy, it’s a Holy Year at Santiago de Compostela in Spain, one of the oldest pilgrimage sites, and the continuing Year of the Priest celebration is bringing large numbers of pilgrims to Ars,” the small town in France that was the home of St. John Vianney, declared as the universal patron of priests by Pope Benedict XVI.

Read full story at http://www.colsdioc.org/Offices/TheCatholicTimes/pilgrimageoverview2010.aspx